French Coach Laporte Fancies Biarritz.

"I think the best challenge will be that of Biarritz at Lansdowne Road, because they have a team that's capable of overcoming the task that awaits them." says French coach Bernard Laporte.

France have the best representation of any nation in the Heineken Cup quarter-finals the weekend after next - and national coach Bernard Laporte is tipping France to go on and also have a major involvement in the semi-finals two weeks later.

Toulouse, the 1996 champions, reigning French champions Biarritz Olympique and Perpignan will fly the Tricolor; England have defending Heineken Cup holders Leicester Tigers and 2000 champions Northampton Saints; Irish eyes will be on Munster and Leinster Lions with Llanelli, once again left to carry the hopes of Wales.

"It is excellent for French rugby that we have three Heineken Cup quarter-finalists who are all in a position to qualify for the last four," said Laporte.

"As a management team these Heineken Cup matches, along with the knock-out phases of the French Championship, will be vital in our observation of the players that could form the French World Cup squad.

"There are still around 10 places to be grabbed for the squad for Australia. Everything should be decided over the next couple of months.

"I know the French teams still involved are going to put everything into their European matches and the rest of France will be behind them all the way.

" Toulouse are lucky they have a home quarter-final against Northampton while Biarritz and Perpignan will have to fight it out away from home, against Leinster and Llanelli.

"I think the best challenge will be that of Biarritz at Lansdowne Road, because they have a team that's capable of overcoming the task that awaits them. But, at the end of the day, all the teams have a 50-50 chance.

The countdown is on to the Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23. Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens & Women's Rugby, previews what promises to be an exciting couple of days.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Jenny Murphy talks about the progress made by the Ireland Women's Sevens team and their pool draw for the upcoming Women's Sevens Dublin tournament in UCD on August 22-23.

Tickets for the tournament start at 5 euro, with children free, and are available to buy here - http://www.ticketmaster.ie/Womens-Sevens-Series-tickets/artist/2134381?tm_link=artist_artistvenue_module.

Conor Murray and Tommy Bowe speak to Irish Rugby TV about their Rugby World Cup preparations and thank the thousands of supporters who came out to see the players at the open training session at the Sportsground.

Ireland captain Paul O'Connell gives his verdict on the team's new Rugby World Cup jersey and talks about his move to French club Toulon. Ireland's RWC 2015 range is available to pre-order now from http://shop.irishrugby.ie.

Anthony Eddy, IRFU Director of Rugby Sevens, talks about the target of a top three finish for both the Ireland Men and Women in Lisbon this weekend, as they continue on their quests for Olympic qualification.

Tom Daly, who recently captained the Ireland Men's Sevens team to the European Division C and B titles, is looking forward to playing in this weekend's Rugby Europe Olympic Repechage tournament in Lisbon, Portugal.

Ireland will host the 'Women's Sevens Dublin' at UCD on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. Tournament director Garrett Tubridy and Ireland stars Lucy Mulhall, Jenny Murphy and Louise Galvin speak about their excitement ahead of the World Rugby Women's Sevens Series qualifier.

Coach Allen Clarke and stand-in captain Billy Holland answer questions from the media following Emerging Ireland's 45-12 victory over Georgia in the final round of their successful Tbilisi Cup campaign.

Emerging Ireland coach Allen Clarke speaks about his side's five-try 33-7 win over Uruguay in the Tbilisi Cup and the first half injury to captain Rhys Ruddock. They wrap up the tournament against hosts Georgia on Sunday.

Speaking about the floods that occurred following the Tbilisi Cup's first round, Emerging Ireland team manager Joey Miles said: "A natural event like that, a tragedy like that puts the game of rugby into perspective. We express our regrets to the Georgian people and the Georgian Union for the terrible tragedy that they had."

David O'Reilly from the IRFU Charitable Trust's Corporate Patrons Committee speaks about the new scheme which provides businesses with unique networking opportunities and provides a platform for companies to effectively activate their CSR programmes. For further information, please contact Linda Black of the Charitable Trust - telephone (01) 6473866 or email: linda.black@irfu.ie / http://www.irishrugby.ie/news/34728.php.